surly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beca is a surly delinquent of questionable judgment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

I recommend having a ‘go box’ for when you slip these surly bonds of earth.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 2025

That said, it was adorably quaint to see the recent midseason cliffhanger brawl be kicked off by a surly Russian sensei that resembles Zangief from “Street Fighter.”

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025

She’s entering surly adolescence like a hot comet and not thrilled to have a new stepmother.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2024

The next morning, everyone’s a bit groggy, a bit surly, as men’ll be of a morning.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz